Entertainment
Strictly 2021: Craig Revel Horwood says Dan Walker ‘could win’ even though he’s ‘not a great dancer’
Craig thinks Dan isn’t out the running at all (Picture: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood believes Dan Walker still has a chance of winning the show due to how much the public has fallen ‘in love’ with the BBC Breakfast star.
Craig, 56, has been involved with the show since it began back in 2004 and is known for his very honest critiques.
He’s been vocal about the fact he’s not been most impressed by TV host Dan, 44, who has now made it through to the quarter-finals of the BBC series.
However, even though Craig may not be the biggest fan of his dancing, he confessed he completely understands why so many viewers have rallied behind the contestant.
In a recent interview with Metro.co.uk whilst promoting his and former Strictly singer Rietta Austin’s new Christmas single, he reminded fans it’s up to them to ultimately decide who will be crowned the show’s champion.
On whether he felt someone like Dan, who is a complete amateur to the Strictly ballroom, sums up what the show is about, Craig gave his verdict.
Dan and Nadiya are in the final five (Picture: PA)
Craig definitely hasn’t given Dan a nine just yet (Picture: BBC / Guy Levy)
He said: ‘Well, he represents part of it, but the show isn’t about how amazing you are, as a dancer, it’s about who you are, and how you handle learning and your journey through it, dare I say.
‘He represents most of the men in this world that don’t dance are a bit nervous about it, but he’s showing people what you can achieve if you put your mind to it and set a goal – I think that’s a big learning curve, not only for him but for people at home that are sat on the couch.’
Giving more insight on his feedback and scores which are sometimes considered harsh by fans, Craig continued: ‘I’ve got to have a professional opinion about him. He’s not a great dancer, and probably never will be.
‘But he’s out there trying and I think, the most important thing ad there’s people like that, that could win it, so he’s not out of the running, just because the judges might say, “Well, actually, that’s a four or five, and it’s nowhere near the standard of a 10.”’
Craig has teamed up with his pal Rietta Austin for a new festive single, It’s Christmas, Merry Christmas (Picture: Carsten Windhorst)
The scores that are given out by the judging panel only account for 50% of the vote, with Craig adding: ‘The audience who are falling in love with him have 50% of the vote and on the final, they have the full 100% of the vote, they choose their winner.
‘I hold my hands up in the final and say, “Yeah, well, this is only my opinion, but guess what? Your phone calls count, and you can change the outcome,” and I think, that’s the beauty of the show, that the audience gets to decide!’
More: Strictly Come Dancing
In the meantime, fans can get their extra dose of Craig by listening to his first-ever Christmas single, in collaboration with his best pal Rietta, which was released today, December 2.
How FAB-U-LOUS, darling!
It’s Christmas, Merry Christmas by Craig Revel Horwood and Rietta Austin is available to stream now.
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